July 25, 2026
Updated on July 07, 2026
Background: Clara Juniper Hayes is a 38-year-old herbalist and small business owner based in Asheville, North Carolina, a hub for natural living and holistic wellness. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Clara grew up surrounded by lush forests and developed a deep love for plants and animals from a young age. Her grandmother, a folk herbalist, taught her the basics of foraging and crafting remedies, which sparked her lifelong passion for natural healing.
Profession: Clara is the founder of Herb and Fur, a blog and online shop dedicated to sharing knowledge about herbal remedies, sustainable living, and holistic pet care. She’s a certified herbalist with a degree in ethnobotany from the University of Oregon and has spent over a decade studying the medicinal properties of plants.
Personality: Warm, approachable, and a bit quirky, Clara is known for her down-to-earth writing style and knack for making complex herbal knowledge accessible. She’s an avid hiker, often accompanied by her rescue dog, Sage, and believes in the healing power of nature for both humans and their furry companions. She’s passionate about eco-conscious living and sources all her products ethically.
Hobbies: Foraging for wild herbs, tending her backyard apothecary garden, knitting pet sweaters, and hosting community workshops on herbal medicine. She’s also a self-proclaimed “tea nerd” who experiments with blending her own herbal infusions.
Why She Started Herb and Fur: After years of working in corporate wellness and feeling disconnected from her roots, Clara launched Herb and Fur to share her love for natural remedies and pet care. She wanted to create a space where people could learn to use plants to support their health and their pets’ well-being, all while fostering a deeper connection to the earth.
Fun Fact: Clara once spent a summer living off-grid in a tiny cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she perfected her recipe for a lavender-chamomile calming salve for anxious dogs.
CBD oil has moved from niche wellness trend to a genuinely common item in pet owners’ cabinets. But between excited marketing claims and genuine unknowns, it can be hard to know what’s actually supported by evidence. Here’s a balanced overview.
What Is CBD, and Is It the Same as Marijuana?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and does not produce a ‘high.’ Most pet CBD products are derived from hemp, which by definition contains minimal THC (generally under 0.3%), though product quality and THC content vary significantly between brands.
What Does the Research Actually Show?
The evidence base for CBD in pets is still developing, but a few areas have more support than others:
- Osteoarthritis and joint pain: Some veterinary studies have shown modest improvements in comfort and mobility for dogs with osteoarthritis, though more research is needed.
- Anxiety: Anecdotal reports are strong, but controlled clinical evidence in dogs is still limited compared to human research.
- Seizures: Some early veterinary research suggests CBD may help reduce seizure frequency in dogs with epilepsy when used alongside conventional treatment, though it should never replace prescribed anti-seizure medication.
In short: promising early signals, especially for joint discomfort, but this is not a well-established, thoroughly proven treatment the way conventional veterinary medications are.
Is CBD Safe for Cats?
Cats process compounds differently than dogs, and there is meaningfully less research on CBD safety and dosing in cats. If you’re considering CBD for a cat, veterinary guidance is especially important given the smaller evidence base.
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Choosing a Quality CBD Product
- Look for third-party lab testing (a Certificate of Analysis) confirming CBD content and confirming THC is below legal limits.
- Avoid products with added xylitol or other ingredients unsafe for pets.
- Choose products specifically formulated and dosed for pets rather than human CBD products.
Dosing and Safety Considerations
Dosing varies significantly by product concentration, your pet’s weight, and the condition being addressed. Start with the lowest recommended dose and observe your pet closely. Reported side effects can include drowsiness, dry mouth (increased thirst), and mild digestive upset. CBD can also interact with certain medications by affecting liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism, so it’s important to discuss any current medications with your veterinarian first.
Legal Considerations
Regulations around hemp-derived CBD for pets vary by state and continue to evolve. Some veterinarians are restricted in what they can formally recommend depending on local law, though many are increasingly comfortable discussing it informally. Check your state’s current regulations and always buy from reputable, transparent brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will CBD oil get my dog high?
No. Quality hemp-derived CBD products contain minimal to no THC, the compound responsible for the ‘high’ associated with marijuana. CBD itself is not psychoactive.
How do I know if a CBD product is high quality?
Look for third-party lab testing (a Certificate of Analysis) that confirms the CBD content and verifies THC is within legal limits, and choose products made specifically for pets.
Can I give my cat the same CBD product as my dog?
It’s best not to assume so. There is less research on CBD safety and dosing in cats specifically, so consult your veterinarian before using any CBD product with a cat.
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Background: Clara Juniper Hayes is a 38-year-old herbalist and small business owner based in Asheville, North Carolina, a hub for natural living and holistic wellness. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Clara grew up surrounded by lush forests and developed a deep love for plants and animals from a young age. Her grandmother, a folk herbalist, taught her the basics of foraging and crafting remedies, which sparked her lifelong passion for natural healing.
Profession: Clara is the founder of Herb and Fur, a blog and online shop dedicated to sharing knowledge about herbal remedies, sustainable living, and holistic pet care. She’s a certified herbalist with a degree in ethnobotany from the University of Oregon and has spent over a decade studying the medicinal properties of plants.
Personality: Warm, approachable, and a bit quirky, Clara is known for her down-to-earth writing style and knack for making complex herbal knowledge accessible. She’s an avid hiker, often accompanied by her rescue dog, Sage, and believes in the healing power of nature for both humans and their furry companions. She’s passionate about eco-conscious living and sources all her products ethically.
Hobbies: Foraging for wild herbs, tending her backyard apothecary garden, knitting pet sweaters, and hosting community workshops on herbal medicine. She’s also a self-proclaimed “tea nerd” who experiments with blending her own herbal infusions.
Why She Started Herb and Fur: After years of working in corporate wellness and feeling disconnected from her roots, Clara launched Herb and Fur to share her love for natural remedies and pet care. She wanted to create a space where people could learn to use plants to support their health and their pets’ well-being, all while fostering a deeper connection to the earth.
Fun Fact: Clara once spent a summer living off-grid in a tiny cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she perfected her recipe for a lavender-chamomile calming salve for anxious dogs.
